Louis XIV adopted Expansionist
policies, wanting to expand
France's influence and his own
need for power.
Louis XIV lost this war due to the Triple Alliance the hindered his proceedings. Louis only
ended with a few towns in the Spanish Netherlands.
Important to note: this was Louis XIV's
first militaristic move. He did not gain anything
from this invasion.
Louis XIV sees himself as the "Sun King." The Divine Right of Kings goes to his head
and Louis becomes very pleased with himself. He believed in Absolutism.
He sees himself as invincible despite not accomplishing
much in the Spanish Netherlands.
1672
Invasion of the
United Provinces
Louis XIV wanted revenge for what happened in the Spanish Netherlands. He wanted to defeat the Triple Alliance formed by the Dutch nations.
Brandenburg, Spain, and HRE formed a new coalition to end this war due to Louis XIV's successes. This was to maintain Balance of Power.
Louis XIV was hindered again by the Coalition, forcing him to make peace at Nimwegen. He did receive Franche-Comte from Spain. This was to satisfy Louis XIV's ego.
From the Coalition's perspective it was more sensible to give Louis XIV a little land, to satisfy his ego, rather than nothing. This way Louis XIV was somewhat content.
1688-1697
War of the League of Augsburg
Due to his own egocentricism, Louis needed to defeat the HRE, for he did not in the past. He made his move against them.
Louis XIV began taking areas such as Alsace and Lorraine and the City of Strasbourg. Due to his successes, a new Coalition was formed to keep the Balance of Power.
Due to his excessive spending on war, it led to economic depression and famine in France. He was forced give up much of his gainings and signed the Treaty of Ryswick.
Louis XIV got to keep Alsace and Strasbourg, but to his people this was only a minor gain, compared to the loss France suffered economically.
Louis XIV Invades
the Spanish Netherlands
policies, wanting to expand
France's influence and his own
need for power.
ended with a few towns in the Spanish Netherlands.
first militaristic move. He did not gain anything
from this invasion.
and Louis becomes very pleased with himself. He believed in Absolutism.
He sees himself as invincible despite not accomplishing
much in the Spanish Netherlands.
Invasion of the
United Provinces
War of the League of Augsburg
War of Spanish Succession